Cooling Control Device Valve Actuation Current Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cooling control device has an insufficient foreign matter removal function, as foreign matter is washed away with coolant passing through the inside, which affects the operational efficiency of the switching valve.
Innovation Solution
A cooling control device with a switching valve that includes multiple coolant outlets and transporting units, an electric motor to switch these connections, and a controller that adjusts current values to enhance the operating force when the switching valve's function is decreased, facilitating the removal of foreign matter by altering the valve's position and current application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If coolant flows through the switching valve to cool the engine, then cooling function is provided, but foreign matter is deposited on the valve components reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs periodic reverse flushing operations where the switching valve is actuated in reverse direction to create high-velocity coolant flow that removes deposited foreign matter from the valve components, restoring operational efficiency without disassembly
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system uses its own coolant flow to clean and maintain the switching valve components through periodic reverse flushing, eliminating the need for external cleaning mechanisms or manual intervention
2Productivity
If foreign matter is allowed to accumulate on the switching valve, then coolant flow continues uninterrupted, but the valve's switching responsiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit initiates periodic reverse flushing cycles that temporarily reverse coolant flow direction to create high-velocity cleaning action, removing foreign matter that would otherwise slow valve response while maintaining overall system productivity
3Use of energy by moving object
If the switching valve operates with reduced force to conserve energy, then energy consumption decreases, but the valve cannot effectively remove foreign matter
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic high-current pulses during reverse flushing operations to generate sufficient force for foreign matter removal, while maintaining low energy consumption during normal operation by using minimal actuation force for routine switching
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit applies excessive current temporarily during reverse flushing cycles to ensure complete foreign matter removal, while using partial current during normal operation to conserve energy, achieving both goals through differentiated operation modes
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively removes foreign matter from the switching valve, improving its operational responsiveness and preventing malfunctions, thereby maintaining coolant performance and vehicle drivability.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor configured to switch between connecting and shutting off the plurality of coolant outlets and the plurality of coolant transporting units by operation of the switching valve
Implementation Method 2
a first controller configured to set a first current value to a value higher than a second current value. The first current value is an amount of current applied to the electric motor to operate the switching valve after the function determination unit determines that the operating function of the switching valve is decreased
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling control device includes a switching valve, coolant transporting units, an electric motor, a function determination unit, and a first controller. The switching valve has coolant outlets through which a coolant flows. The coolant transporting units are disposed in contact with the switching valve and connected to or shut off from the coolant outlets. The electric motor switches between connecting and shutting off the coolant outlets and the coolant transporting units by operation of the switching valve. The function determination unit detects decrease in an operating function of the switching valve. The first controller sets an amount of current applied to the electric motor to operate the switching valve after the operating function of the switching valve is determined to be decreased, to be larger than an amount of current applied to the electric motor to operate the switching valve when the switching valve operating function is not decreased.